1.     It’ll look good on your CV

Experience of living internationally goes down well with employers, showing you have experience dealing with people from different cultures, plus a higher level of adaptability. If you can explore a new country at the same time as picking up skills to gain a decent graduate job, then that’s pretty good going.

2.     Meet a diverse range of people

Your exposure to many different types of people will not only help you to develop your people skills, but it will also give you a more in-depth knowledge of others, particularly those from different cultures.

3.     Study and learn differently

Often those studying abroad will experience a completely new way of teaching. This can be daunting, but it will also open your mind to new ways of learning.

4.     Gain independence

Studying and living abroad requires you to be independent, without the safety of your home comforts. Look at this as an exciting new challenge (rather than something terrifying).

5.     Learn self-reliance

Moving abroad is the ultimate test of self-reliance. When (or if) you move back, you’ll likely rely on others less and you’ll take more responsibility for yourself.

6.    You’ll gain a greater knowledge of different cultures

Cultural sensitivity isn’t just a quality that politicians may be accused of lacking; it’s also something you can develop while studying abroad!

7.    Learn more about yourself

Throwing yourself into a completely new environment will help you to figure out what you’re good at, as well as what you’re not so good at. These are things that can then be built on during your study abroad experience.

8.    Be spontaneous and adventurous

When you’re thousands of miles away from home, spontaneity and adventure are your best friends. Open your mind up to new experiences and sights and the fun will come your way.

9.    You learn to appreciate the smaller things more 

Studying abroad usually means you have even fewer possessions than the average student, and being that much further from home can really make you miss those familiar comforts you’d taken for granted. Welcome to a new-found appreciation of everything from your parents’ cooking to having more than two pairs of shoes to choose from.

10.    Gain a global mind-set

Whether it’s in work, study, or play, you’ll be able to use your new global mindset to back up arguments, inform your beliefs and steer your future.

11.    Get the perks of international student discounts

Student discounts are always fun but 100 times more so when you’re shopping in a new store with funny-looking money!

12.    Use your spare time to explore

In between lectures and lab sessions, studying abroad should leave you with plenty of time to explore. Whether you’re one for visiting iconic landmarks, trying new foods or bartering at local markets, there’s always bound to be a better way of spending your time than scrolling through Facebook!

13.    Increase your international job prospects

While you can always go home at the end of your time as an international student, many choose to stay put and apply for a working visa. Even if you return home or decide to seek work elsewhere, the international experience provided by studying abroad is likely to be looked on favorably by employers.